On 26 February 2008, the Vice-President for Community Outreach, Dr. Ghassan Khatib, along with the Vice-President for Administrative and Financial Affairs, Dr. Sami Sayrafi, received H.E. German Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, Ms. Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul.

Dr. Khatib briefed the Minister on BZU's programs and challenges, most importantly the Israeli obstacles that impede progress.

During her visit, the German Minister delivered a lecture titled: "Development Policy as Peace Policy - Perspectives & Contributions to the Middle East Peace Process", in which she asserted that development is essential for the achievement of peace in the region. She pointed to the role of the European Union (EU), especially Germany, in supporting a number of projects in Palestine such as: improving the water network, supporting the education sector, building security agencies and assisting civil society organizations. She elucidated that the EU donations for the Middle East will reach up to € 200 million by 2010.

Minister Wieczorek-Zeul explained that peace between the Palestinians and Israelis is the option for ending conflict in the Middle East, affirming the need for removing the checkpoints,  as well as for solving the refugees problem and the issue of Jerusalem.

She recalled her meeting with BZU's Ex-President, Dr. Hanna Naser, in which he stated that not only academically qualified students graduate from universities, but also citizens, who are capable of building democracy and assuming vital positions in the private and public sectors.

The lecture was followed by an open discussion in which both students and faculty members asked questions regarding political and developmental issues in Palestine.